The Food Day Challenge: Eat Well to Be Well

The Urban Food Task Force extravaganza spotlights nutrition, food policy and food security.

October 20, 2014

By Brittney Dunkins

Bushels of fresh produce, tips for healthy eating and an exploration of the U.S. food system are on the agenda for the George Washington University’s annual celebration of Food Day.

Beginning Tuesday, GW’s Urban Food Task Force (UFTF) and more than 10 community and university partners will address the importance of a sustainable, healthy diet through a series of activities leading up to national Food Day on Oct. 24.

“In celebrating Food Day the Urban Food Task Force helps promote healthy eating to the whole GW community,” said Diane Knapp, UFTF chair. “We hope everyone will participate in some way by attending the screening of the film ‘Fed-Up,’ volunteering at the Pop-Up Produce Market, joining one of the eat-healthy challenges or by picking up an apple to enjoy while on campus.”

The events will culminate in the Pop-Up Produce Market and Health Screening Fair hosted by UFTF, the Rodham Institute and the GW Healing Clinic at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Deanwood Recreation Center in Northeast Washington on Oct. 25.

Residents will receive bags of crisp apples, fresh greens and a variety of other locally grown fruits and vegetables, and University Chef Rob Donis will provide cooking demonstrations using the produce.  For the first time at the Pop-Up Produce event, free health screenings will be available. More than 100 seniors, 25 families and D.C. Councilmember Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7) are expected to attend.

Members of the university community are encouraged to join the conversation around Food Day on Twitter with #GWFoodDay. Follow @GWFoodForce for updates and healthy-eating challenges.

George Washington Today compiled a full list of Food Day activities below.

Tuesday, Oct. 21
GW Day at the National Geographic Museum
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 1145 17th St. NW
GW students, faculty and staff can visit the National Geographic Museum free of charge with their GWorld cards on Tuesday. The museum is hosting a new exhibition, “Food: Our Global Kitchen,” in support of the Future of Food initiative.

Thursday, Oct. 23
Screening of “Fed-Up”
6 p.m., Marvin Center, Continental Ballroom
The documentary, “Fed Up,” produced by journalist Katie Couric and producer Laurie David, explores America’s food system and changing food policy. Following the screening, Ms. David, the Academy Award-winning producer of “An Inconvenient Truth,” will participate in a Q-and-A session. Please RSVP online.

Friday, Oct. 24
Food Day
Noon, Kogan Plaza
Celebrate national Food Day with GW by pledging to eat well and participating in events on Kogan Plaza with university departments and student organizations.

Apple Day
Noon, Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses
The university tradition honoring the local apple harvest returns with free apples and healthy recipes. Apples will be available at various locations on GW’s Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses.

Sneaker Day Walk
Noon, Kogan Plaza
Colonial Community encourage faculty and staff to lace up their sneakers for a walk around campus and pursue healthy living. Register online.

Saturday, Oct. 25
Pop-Up Produce Market and Health Screening Fair
11 a.m., Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th St. NE
A produce give-away, cooking demonstrations and free health screenings are the highlights of the annual pop-up market organized by UFTF, GW Rodham Institute and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences’ GW Healing Clinic.